On Monday, September 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the floor of the Lok Sabha to address the nation during a Special Session of Parliament. The five-day session, which will conclude on September 22, carries significant importance as it marks Parliament's 75-year journey and covers various crucial legislative matters.
During this Special Session, approximately eight bills have been listed for consideration and passage. These bills will play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative landscape of the country. Moreover, the proceedings of the House are set to take place in the newly constructed Parliament building, a symbol of India's progress and democratic spirit.
The occasion was marked by the hoisting of the national flag at the new Parliament building by Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar. This ceremonial act symbolized the significance of this Special Session in the annals of Indian parliamentary history.
However, the announcement of this Special Session took many by surprise in political circles, especially as political parties gear up for assembly elections in five states later this year. Opposition parties have raised questions regarding the government's decision to convene a Special Session without disclosing the agenda beforehand.
One of the key demands from the opposition, notably the Congress party, is the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill during this session. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized the historical context of this bill, tracing its roots back to the late 1980s when Rajiv Gandhi's government introduced the concept of one-third reservation for women in panchayats and nagarpalikas. Despite passing in the Lok Sabha, it faced hurdles in the Rajya Sabha in September 1989.
Ramesh also highlighted that this idea resurfaced in April 1993 during Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao's tenure and ultimately became law. Furthermore, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh introduced a Constitution Amendment Bill for one-third reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures. This bill made significant progress in the Rajya Sabha in 2010 but was not taken up in the Lok Sabha.
Importantly, Ramesh clarified that bills introduced or passed in the Rajya Sabha do not lapse, and the Women's Reservation Bill remains an active agenda. This issue underscores the importance of revisiting and passing critical legislation during the Special Session.
In summary, the Special Session of Parliament, featuring Prime Minister Modi's address, is a significant moment in India's political landscape. It provides an opportunity to deliberate on crucial bills and celebrate the rich history of India's parliamentary democracy. It also reignites the debate on the Women's Reservation Bill, a long-standing aspiration for gender equality in Indian politics, which remains a topic of great importance in this Special Session.
